Introduction
Hey there! Today, I want to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes: Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks. This dish is a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Whenever I make this dish, it takes me back to my trip to Seoul, where I had the most incredible glazed chicken at a local street food stall. Since then, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that deliciousness in my own kitchen. And let me tell you, this recipe comes pretty close!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I make this dish whenever I want to impress my friends and family with an amazing meal. The sticky glaze on the chicken drumsticks is simply irresistible, and it pairs perfectly with steamed rice or a fresh salad. My family goes crazy for this because it combines the mouthwatering flavors of soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, so you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for the Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks:
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some extra heat)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can omit the red pepper flakes. And if you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken drumsticks with tofu or tempeh. Cooking is all about experimenting and making the recipe your own!
Directions
Now, let’s get cooking!
- In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to create the marinade.
- Place the chicken drumsticks in a large ziplock bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each drumstick is coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken drumsticks from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.
- Grill the drumsticks for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have a nice charred glaze. Make sure to baste the chicken with the remaining marinade while grilling to enhance the flavor.
- Once the drumsticks are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a beautiful garnish.
- Serve the Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks hot with steamed rice or a side salad. Enjoy!
Notes
I’ve discovered a few tips and tricks along the way that I want to share with you:
- If you don’t have a grill, you can also bake the chicken drumsticks in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
- Feel free to double the marinade recipe if you want to have extra sauce to drizzle over your rice or veggies.
- This recipe works great with chicken wings or bone-in chicken thighs too. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Variations
I love experimenting with different flavors and ingredients, and I encourage you to do the same. Here are a couple of variations you can try:
- For a citrusy twist, add the juice of 1 lime or 1 lemon to the marinade.
- If you prefer a sweeter glaze, you can increase the amount of honey or even add a touch of brown sugar.
Storage
Though honestly, in my house, these Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks never last more than a day! However, if you do have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave before enjoying.
Serving Suggestions
I personally love serving these drumsticks with steamed jasmine rice and a side of crunchy Asian slaw. The combination of flavors and textures is simply divine! However, feel free to get creative and serve them with your favorite sides. These drumsticks would be fantastic alongside some roasted vegetables or even on a bed of noodles.
Pro Tips
I’ve learned a few lessons from my own mistakes while perfecting this recipe. Here are some pro tips to help you achieve the best results:
- Make sure to baste the chicken drumsticks with the marinade while grilling to keep them moist and flavorful.
- If you’re using wooden skewers for the grill, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before threading the drumsticks onto them. This will prevent the skewers from burning.
- Don’t be afraid to adjust the level of spiciness according to your taste. You can add more red pepper flakes for an extra kick or omit them entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.
FAQ
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?
A: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work just as well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they may cook a bit faster than drumsticks.
Q: Can I make this recipe in the oven?
A: Definitely! If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the chicken drumsticks in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are cooked through and nicely glazed.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: While these drumsticks are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze any leftovers. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they will keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then warm them up in the oven or microwave.
Well, there you have it! My recipe for mouthwatering Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy it as much as I do. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and adding your own personal touch. So get creative, make it your own, and savor every delicious bite!
Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks
Delightful combination of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors with sticky glaze on chicken drumsticks.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
Directions
-
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to create the marinade.
-
Place chicken drumsticks in a large ziplock bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each drumstick is coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
-
Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken drumsticks from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off.
-
Grill drumsticks for about 5-6 minutes per side, basting with remaining marinade while grilling.
-
Once cooked, remove drumsticks from the grill and let them rest. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish.
-
Serve hot with steamed rice or a side salad. Enjoy!